Fans React After Suzanne Somers' Widower Alan Hamel Confirms He's Dating Her Former Co-Star

The couple has known each other for decades, and now, they're discovering what romantic love looks like between them.

Alan Hamel is dating Joanna Cassidy, the former co-star of his late wife, Suzanne Somers. News of their romance has hit the internet streets, sparking a mix of surprise, support, and strong opinions from fans who didn't see this twist coming.

Hamel, 88, was photographed arm in arm with Cassidy, 79, in Malibu, California, on Monday, June 23, enjoying their time together and their newly found love. They were spotted wearing matching Malibu Beach Inn baseball caps as they grabbed lunch at Broad Street Oyster Company.

Hamel confirmed that they were dating. The pair have known each other for 45 years, with Hamel recalling that Cassidy appeared as a guest star on "The Alan Hamel Show" in Canada in the 1970s. He described it as a dynamic episode, noting that they liked each other, not romantically, but with mutual respect, as both were married at the time.

The duo crossed paths again when Cassidy and Somers starred together in the 1985 miniseries "Hollywood Wives." "It was very cordial," noted Hamel.

As for how the pair reconnected, Hamel shared that his son, Stephen, played matchmaker. Stephen had met Cassidy at a screening and, after a long conversation, suggested that she and Hamel might get along and should meet — unaware that the two had already known each other.

Now, the two are dating, with Hamel praising Cassidy as an accomplished and hardworking actress, noting that she has remained active in Hollywood for more than 50 years. "She's a great mother to her adult children, turns up for many fundraisers for first responders and is staff for her four cats. She is no Hollywood BS, and we laugh a lot," he gushed.

Some people are celebrating Hamel's happiness, while others are viewing the new relationship through a more critical lens. One fan speculated on the emotional toll Hamel might have faced, "I'm sure he felt so alone! Let the man be happy!"

Someone else expressed joy, "Im [sic] happy he found happiness once again🙏🙌🏻." Another person shared in the celebrations, "That's great found somebody he loves again congratulations [sic]."

Another commenter saw a possible deep connection, suggesting, "They would have much in common, probably. As well as shared grief." Still, not everyone was as supportive. One person bluntly pointed out, "It didn't take him long to start dating."

However, another voice chimed in with a compassionate take, "Suzanne would want him to be happy." Skepticism surfaced in this pointed remark, "You’re 88 dude yesss [sic] you need love but put it towards your kids and grandkids. Seriously 😯😯." And finally, someone took a darkly humorous approach, warning, "I would haunt them both."

Despite the online chatter, Hamel is confident he has Somers' blessing. Before she died just a day prior to what would have been her 77th birthday, she encouraged him to embrace life after her and not be afraid to move forward.

Hamel recalled that Somers would tell him, "Don't mope around. Live your life. We will see one another after you cross over." Even so, Hamel admits that he's unsure of what the future holds for his relationship with Cassidy.

However, the actor says that at this stage of life — which he describes as the "cocktail hour" — he feels deeply fortunate. He credits Suzanne Somers for the incredible family they built together, the fulfilling life they shared, and the business they started five decades ago.

Looking ahead, he adds, "I'm fortunate to have Joanna in my life. Most men would love to have a Joanna in their life."

Hamel has made the courageous decision to move forward following the loss of Somers, who passed away at 5:30 a.m. on October 15, 2023. According to her death certificate, the "Three's Company" star died from breast cancer that had spread to her brain.

While a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, no autopsy was performed. The document also noted other contributing health issues, including hypertension and hydrocephalus.

Somers was laid to rest three days after her passing at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, with the funeral arrangements handled by a funeral home in Palm Springs, California. To honor her memory, Hamel unveiled her headstone at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California, in October 2024, marking one year since her death.

Hamel has openly reflected on the impact of losing his wife, acknowledging that her death marked a significant shift in his life.

Speaking in an interview shortly after her passing, he revealed that he and Somers had discussed the possibility of this moment, always assuming he would go first because of their 10-year age difference. He admitted that the thought of her being left alone had always troubled him deeply.

According to Somers' representatives, Hamel also wrote her a heartfelt letter reflecting on their "magical" 55 years together — a letter she read the night before she passed away.

In the letter, which was written entirely in all caps, Hamel expressed that the word "love" is often used casually in everyday life, but none of those uses come close to capturing what he truly felt for Somers.

"It's not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction. Unconditional love does not do it. I'll take a bullet for you doesn't do it. I weep when I think about my feelings for you. Feelings ... That's getting close, but not all the way," he penned.

Alan Hamel ended the letter by stating that no words, actions, promises, or declarations could adequately express the depth of his feelings for Somers. "So I will call it, 'Us.' Uniquely, magically, indescribably wonderful 'Us,'" he concluded.

Somers was married to Hamel for 46 years. The two tied the knot in 1977 after spending nearly a decade together as a couple. Both had been married before. Somers had a son from her first marriage to Bruce Somers, while Hamel had children from his previous marriage to Marilyn Hamel.

Now, even as he continues to cherish the memory of his late wife, Hamel has opened his heart to love again — with Cassidy.